Baseball & Softball vs. Pickleball
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
Official baseballs are regulated by Major League Baseball (MLB), measuring 9.0–9.25 in (22.9–23.5 cm) in circumference and weighing 5.0–5.25 oz (141.7–148.8 g) with 108 double hand-stitches. Regulation softballs are larger: 12-inch Fastpitch softballs measure 11.875–12.125 in (6.25–7.0 oz), 11-inch Slowpitch softballs measure 10.875–11.125 in (5.875–6.125 oz), and 16-inch Chicago Clincher softballs measure 15.75–16.25 in.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MLB Baseball Circumference
|
22.9–23.5 cm (9.0–9.25 in) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Weight
|
141.7–148.8 g (5.0–5.25 oz) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Diameter
|
7.3–7.5 cm (2.86–2.94 in) | — |
|
Baseball Stitching
|
108 Double Stitches in Red Waxed Cotton/Polyester Thread Hand-sewn | — |
|
Baseball Core Construction
|
Cushioned Cork Sphere wrapped in 3 Layers of Wool/Poly Yarn Standard | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Circumference
|
30.2–30.8 cm (11.875–12.125 in) | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Weight
|
177.2–198.4 g (6.25–7.0 oz) | — |
|
11-Inch Slowpitch Softball Circumference
|
27.6–28.3 cm (10.875–11.125 in) | — |
|
Softball Core Material
|
Polyurethane Core or Kapok Fiber Core with Optic Yellow Leather COR 0.44–0.47 | — |
|
Official Diameter
|
— | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
— | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
— | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
|
Total Hole Count
|
— | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
|
Construction
|
— | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |